Despite suffering from bronchitis, Pope Francis held his general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday, urging the faithful to pray and do penance for peace in the world. The Holy Father, who has been battling respiratory difficulties, made a heartfelt plea for an end to conflicts worldwide.
Making an effort to use his own voice at the conclusion of the audience, Pope Francis earnestly encouraged Catholics to take action: “Let us pray for peace, let us even do penance for peace” (according to Vatican Media, Feb. 12, 2025). The 88-year-old pontiff emphasized the importance of seeking peace, reminding the audience gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall that “war is always a defeat.”
Expressing deep concern for the suffering in conflict-ridden regions, Pope Francis highlighted the plight of people in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I am thinking about many countries at war,” he shared. “We were not born to kill but to make people grow” (according to Vatican Media, Feb. 12, 2025).
Due to his bronchitis, the pope asked Father Pierluigi Giroli to deliver his catechesis on his behalf. Before handing over the reading, Pope Francis briefly addressed the pilgrims, stating, “I hope that next time I can” (according to Vatican Media, Feb. 12, 2025). Giroli then read from the pope’s reflections on the Gospel of St. Luke, emphasizing the humility of God’s presence in the world: “God does not come into the world with high-sounding proclamations, he does not manifest himself in clamor, but begins his journey in humility.”
In reflecting on the shepherds’ encounter with the newborn Christ, the pope’s message underscored the significance of simplicity and humility in receiving God’s grace. “The shepherds thus learn that in a very humble place, reserved for animals, the long-awaited Messiah is born and is born for them, to be their Savior, their Shepherd” (according to Vatican Media, Feb. 12, 2025). The catechesis further emphasized that “the humblest and the poorest who are able to welcome the event of the Incarnation.”
Encouraging the faithful to embrace the same openness as the shepherds, Pope Francis called upon Catholics to seek the grace of wonder and praise before God. “Brothers and sisters, let us also ask for the grace to be, like shepherds, capable of wonder and praise before God,” the pope’s message read. “Let us ask the Lord to be able to discern in weakness the extraordinary strength of the Child God, who comes to renew the world and transform our lives with his plan full of hope for all humanity” (according to Vatican Media, Feb. 12, 2025).
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains steadfast in his mission, calling for peace, humility, and a renewal of faith. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the role each believer can play in bringing God’s love to a world in need of healing.
